Hosting Ahmadinejad

A disgrace at Columbia University.

by William Kristol

Two days ago, Columbia University announced that next Monday, September 24, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will speak and participate in a question and answer session with university faculty and students at Columbia. According to the university statement, "This opportunity for faculty and students to engage the President of Iran came about after Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee at the Iranian Mission to the United Nations initiated contact with Columbia through a member of the faculty, Richard Bulliet, who is a specialist on Iran."

So at the request of the Iranian government, Columbia University will host the president of a terrorist regime which is right now responsible for the deaths of American soldiers on the field of battle. Indeed, this distinguished guest, who is so honoring Columbia by his presence, will be introduced by no one less than the president of Columbia, Lee Bollinger.

But not to worry: "President Bollinger will introduce the event by challenging President Ahmadinejad on a number of his controversial statements and his government's policies."

Indeed, Bollinger manfully proclaimed in the university statement: "I also wanted to be sure the Iranians understood that I would myself introduce the event with a series of sharp challenges to the President on issues including:

* the Iranian President's denial of the Holocaust;

* his public call for the destruction of the state of Israel;

* his reported support for international terrorism that targets innocent civilians and American troops;

* Iran's pursuit of nuclear ambitions in opposition to international sanction;

* his government's widely documented suppression of civil society and particularly of women's rights; and

* his government's imprisoning of journalists and scholars, including one of Columbia's own alumni, Dr. Kian Tajbakhsh."

One can imagine President Ahmadinejad nervously preparing for President Bollinger's "sharp challenges," and wondering whether those challenges will detract from the propaganda victory Bollinger's invitation has given him. He's undoubtedly concluded it won't be a big problem.

It should go without saying that the appropriate thing to do, when the Iranian ambassador called Columbia, would have been to say: No thanks. Or just, No. But that would be to expect too much of one of today's Ivy League university presidents.

Now there will be further legitimization of the notion that Holocaust denial is a subject of legitimate and reasonable debate.

In fact, the introduction with "sharp challenges" by Bollinger makes the situation even more of a disgrace. Now there will be the appearance of real dialogue, of Ahmadinejad answering challenges, which further legitimizes the notion that Holocaust denial, say, is a subject of legitimate and reasonable debate.

But if Bollinger had chosen to deny Ahmadinejad's request, or not to dignify Ahmadinejad's appearance by his presence -- then Bollinger would have been denied the opportunity to lecture us, in Columbia's press release, to this effect: "It is a critical premise of freedom of speech that we do not honor the dishonorable when we open the public forum to their voices. To hold otherwise would make vigorous debate impossible. That such a forum could not take place on a university campus in Iran today sharpens the point of what we do here....This is America at its best."

Actually, this is a liberal university president at his stupidest.

Meanwhile: As Columbia welcomes Ahmadinejad to campus, Columbia students who want to serve their country cannot enroll in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) at Columbia. Columbia students who want to enroll in ROTC must travel to other universities to fulfill their obligations. ROTC has been banned from the Columbia campus since 1969. In 2003, a majority of polled Columbia students supported reinstating ROTC on campus. But in 2005, when the Columbia faculty senate debated the issue, President Bollinger joined the opponents in defeating the effort to invite ROTC back on campus.

A perfect synecdoche for too much of American higher education: they are friendlier to Ahmadinejad than to the U.S. military.

This article originally appeared in The Weekly Standard

A note from the Editors:

REPORT FROM THE COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PROTEST

Over one thousand students and community members came out to Columbia University today to protest the speech by Iranian President Ahmadinejad. Ahmadinejad was invited to speak by the President of Columbia, Lee Bollinger, who described the invitation to the Iranian President as "...the right thing to do and, indeed, it is required by existing norms of free speech, the American university, and Columbia itself."

Hasbara Fellowships (www.israelactivism.com), the Israel Activism campus organization of Aish International, organized the protest rally, along with other partner organizations.

We were not protesting the issue of free speech. We agree that if the President of Iran walked into Columbia University on his own, he would have the right to say what he wants. What we were protesting was the invitation by Columbia University to have this man speak. While there is no doubt that the greatness of the United States is heavily due to its relentless adherence to the concept of free speech, the concept of free speech does not obligate us to give a platform to the most abhorrent viewpoints.

While we could not win the battle of stopping Ahmadinejad from speaking at Columbia, we made sure to have our voices heard about why we so strongly opposed this man. Students from all over New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and even as far as Canada, came together to chant, sing, hold signs and posters and to clearly communicate a powerful message: hate and terror are not welcomed in the heart of New York City.

National and local media outlets all swarmed to Columbia and our protest to cover the various views and activities. CNN, Fox, NBC, CBS, ABC and others were all present.

Students brought signs and speakers shouted messages denouncing Ahmadinejad as the leader of the number one state-sponsor of terror; as a man who has publicly denied the Holocaust; as a man who has called for the destruction of Israel; as a man who has called for the Western World to be turned into an Islamic Caliphate; as the leader of a country that ruthlessly enacts a system of intolerance and sexism; as a leader of a country that brutally crushes all opposition.

I was asked by a reporter from CNN if I agreed with the viewpoint being espoused by many Columbia administrators and students, that we needed to listen to Ahmadinejad and have an exchange of ideas to better understand each other. I answered with a question: are we interested in having an "exchange of ideas" with the Ku Klux Klan? Why not invite them to campus to help us understand why they think all blacks are inferior to whites? Isn't that "required by existing norms of free speech"?

Of course not. And just as we would be shocked and disgusted to hear about an invitation to the Ku Klux Klan to speak at Columbia University, so should we be shocked and disgusted when this invitation is extended to a man who has denied the Holocaust of the past but is in support of committing one in the future.

Thankfully, over one thousand students and others were shocked and disgusted. Today at Columbia, their message was heard loud and clear.

The biggest show on Broadway this week wasn't any of the plays or musicals packing in the tourists in a midtown theater. Rather than "The Drowsy Chaperone," "Spamalot" or the revival of "A Chorus Line," the hottest ticket was to the traveling show starring the man whom The New York Post dubbed a "pint-sized Persian" -- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, president of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The appearance of Iran's leader in the Big Apple to attend the annual U.N. General Assembly overshadowed all other world leaders at the international talking shop on Manhattan's Turtle Bay. His invitation to speak at Columbia University set off the sort of media frenzy usually reserved for the hi-jinks of O.J. Simpson or Britney Spears.

Columbia students, alumni and anyone who's ever heard of the school weighed on the propriety of the event. While panels attended by heads of state at the university's school of international affairs do not usually merit time even on C-Span, this one was broadcast live around the world on CNN.

15 Minutes of Fame

Columbia's embattled President Lee Bollinger was subjected to opprobrium before the event for the bad taste of inviting a Holocaust-denier to the sacred precincts of the Morningside Heights campus. But after using his literal -- as opposed to proverbial -- 15 minutes of fame to lambaste the somewhat befuddled Iranian, Bollinger became an American idol and the subject of a laudatory editorial in The New York Times that applauded the university's judgment.

At the Columbia forum, Ahmadinejad lost points even among the hard left, which tends to like anybody who hates America, Israel or the Jews, by denying not the Holocaust, but the existence of homosexuality in his nation of approximately 70 million people.

Coming across as more of a fool than a demon or Hitler-wannabe, Ahmadinejad may have garnered some applause from some in the audience in the hall, it isn't likely he won too many new American friends.

On campus and some 70 blocks south outside the United Nations, a largely Jewish crowd of protesters raged at the Iranian's impudence, and a bipartisan parade of politicians lined up to denounce Ahmadinejad's calls for Israel's destruction, his country's support of terrorism and its oft-publicized nuclear ambitions.

As for the rights and wrongs of the Columbia event itself, suffice it to say that anyone who thinks that free speech has anything to do with whether an Ivy League university gives a platform to a man who leads a murderous fundamentalist dictatorship isn't thinking clearly. As a former Columbian myself, I bow to no one in my affection for the place, but the scolding from Bollinger notwithstanding, the school dishonored itself.

A university that won't let the armed forces of the United States recruit or teach in an ROTC program on campus ostensibly because it dislikes the army's position on gays (though the hard-core anti-military feelings and contempt for patriotism of much of the faculty has more to do with it than support for gay rights) was in no position to play the free-speech card for Ahmadinejad.

If anything, it's easy to suspect that Bollinger seized the opportunity to grandstand against the Iranian (albeit with a searing indictment that deserved applause) more for his own public-relations profile than anything else.

While a great deal of time was wasted debating the invitation of a world leader who has called for the genocidal extermination of a member-state of the United Nations -- Israel -- and whether giving him a platform is a defense of freedom of speech or a travesty of it, is there any real will, as opposed to rhetorical lip service, among both the chattering classes and our politicians to doing something about Iran?

Will the question of what measures the West is prepared to take to halt the progress of the Iranian nuclear program, as well as its subsidization of Islamist terror, fade back to a blur once the circus leaves town?

Though no one wants to think about the alternative to sanctions, French President Sarkozy himself stated at the United Nations that appeasement of Iran will lead inevitably to "war."

The French, like the Americans and the Israelis, believe that diplomacy can do the trick if it is accompanied by the sort of tough sanctions against Iran that the U.S. House of Representatives voted for this week. But for all of the fine talk about international cooperation, there is little sign that the opposition of both Russia or China to a genuine sanctions regime against the Islamic republic will be enacted this year or at any time in the future.

Nor, one suspects, will that change, until those nations become convinced that an already war-weary America means what it says about squelching the mullahs mad plans to gain nuclear capability.

Forget About Hitler

The problem here is that the Ahmadinejad show was just that: a farce that did little to illustrate the fanatical nature of his regime's religious extremism, its deep involvement in international terrorism or its willingness to use any weapons it gets his hands on to wipe out the State of Israel.

Historical analogies are, at best, inexact, and often misleading.
Contemporary Iran is not a clone of Nazi Germany. But given its size, strength and the way it can use its support of Shi'ites throughout the Middle East, as well as via alliance with Sunnis who share its anti-Western and anti-Semitic beliefs, it doesn't have to be in order to be an extraordinary threat to world peace, even without nukes.

If Ahmadinejad, or someone like him, gets their finger on a nuclear button, it won't matter that he doesn't resemble Hitler and seems more comical than threatening. If he ever gets the means and the opportunity to match his motive to commit mass murder of the Jews of Israel (or some other non-Islamist target), who cares if the differences between Shi'ite Islamism and National Socialism are enormous.

As virtually all of the American presidential candidates have shown, it takes no courage to huff and puff about Iran and back sanctions. But does anyone really believe that the international community will unite behind them? Despite the general revulsion felt for the Iranian, is there any doubt that support for the use of force against Iran if it proves necessary simply doesn't exist yet in this country?

The Ahmadinejad show was good theater, but anything that doesn't help galvanize American public opinion into realizing that action on this issue is a matter of life and death is nothing but a meaningless sideshow. If, within the next few years, Iran's nuclear plans are allowed to become a reality, it will be too late for debate about Ahmadinejad, but more than enough time to ponder a new round of genocide.

Jonathan S. Tobin is executive editor of the Jewish Exponent in Philadelphia. He can be contacted via e-mail at: jtobin@jewishexponent.com.

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Visitor Comments: 100

(100)
Anonymous,
October 18, 2007 3:11 PM

appaling is the only word I can think of re: prf.L. Bollinger

I just cannot grasp that the public is so naive that they would allow such a thing. I can only say God help us all. What is inevitable is getting closer and closer by actions of men like these two.....

(99)
Susan Melin,
October 5, 2007 6:21 AM

Hitler's Lies (and why they were believed)

Hitler has been quoted as saying "people will believe any lie, if they are told it often enough". It is dangerous to have demonic kingpins like the president of Iran tout their propaganda.

(98)
Rivkah,
October 4, 2007 8:20 AM

Educational

This was an opportunity for academics to dispel the (perceived and subjective) validity of a tyranical figure in modern-day history. We study political science, we deplore xenophobia and argue the case for peace in our university papers. What better way to bring theoretical argument to life than to argue against such a tyrant. Columbia hosting Ahmadinejad presented this opportunity for students and teachers alike to bring the classroom to the politcal forefront of international society.

(97)
martin kessler,
September 30, 2007 10:21 PM

Hitler and Ahmadinejad

Jews, as a Peoplehood-- not a religion-- are fond of logical arguments and can argue convincingly both sides of any question and now the wisdom or the folly of having Ahamadinejad speak at Columbia, as had already been pointed out on this site.

Some have argued against the invitation to Ahmadinejad to speak by suggesting would we have had Hitler come here to speak in the 1930s about his vision for National Socialism?

If Hitler had come and spoke he would have said he has no intention of driving the Jews into the sea. He would freely have said, "Listen, we just don't wan't the Jews in our country. Do you understand? We just want them out! We would be happy to sell --trade--them for some resources we need. I can start shipping some to you tomorrow. Can we make a deal?"

Sad to say, no country wanted to buy Jews. He couldn't even give them away!

By the way, Saudi Arabia, America greatest ally and most loyal and devoted friend of our Fearless Leader, doesn't want any Jews --or Christians--in their county, either. but they have the Oil! Sorry,I digress.

Now Ahmadinejad come to us and says "Listen, we love the Jews. We are friends of the Jews. It's the Israelis we hate and plan to annialate, and if you will just give us a little more time we can accomplish that."

As for me, I think it would have been good had we heard Hitler and is good that we hear Ahmainejad. The only question remains is how much time are we going to give him?

Actually, come to think of it, the deal's almost the same. What do you want this time--Jews or Oil.

Martin Kessler

(96)
Harry Engel,
September 30, 2007 6:38 PM

Columbia University should have said "Thanks, but no Thanks" to the Iranian Ambassador. Iran , a counttry that hates Jew, Hates Israel, Hates the USA and hates democracy is a country without a soul! I ran is a country where women are regarded as Chatels, where education is not acceptable, denies that Mohammed studied with the great Rabbis of the time and incorporated their teachings into the KOran, what type of country is it? A country without a souls, a country where clerics(?) rule without any restraint or thought regarding their actions. It is Iran, a tyrant, in this world that need to be liberated.

(95)
pam,
September 30, 2007 2:46 PM

It is amazing how we Americans shoot ourselves in the foot. We bend over backwards to terrorists, hate mongers and murders to show what? Evil will never be overcome by stupidity or weakness. These Arabs hate all of us and are warmongers and butchers as demonstrated throughout history. We will fall as a nation and people unless we deal with the Islamis monster that is sweeping across every free democracy in the world. Look at history. It is repeating itself once again.

(94)
Anonymous,
September 30, 2007 2:07 PM

A total shock!

I would be more shocked and amazed if the mr. bollinger would still remain in colombia as president. Thanks for publishing this article.A president in the University who does not really understand what "the freedom of speech" means? Wow!

(93)
Anonymous,
September 30, 2007 12:13 PM

THANK YOU for this article!!

Will there ever be a liberal institution that tells the truth about today's free speech double standard? I think not. They cannot stand straight in the face of arguments from both sides. They must silence opposition or diminish its voice in order that the masses believe their contorted stories and embrace their destructive ideologies.

(92)
Franklin Samel,
September 30, 2007 9:53 AM

In defense of Bollinger

It is better to deal with the devil you know than the devil you don't know. How can any of you defend that little schmuck from Iran!!!!!!! Bollinger has golden testicles. In retrospect,the biggest mistake Herr Bush made was invading the wrong country

(91)
Beverly Kurtin, Ph.D.,
September 30, 2007 2:25 AM

Academian Nuts

Many years ago I had a most delightful discussion with Ian Ballentine. A display he had brought to Dallas nearly tipped over and I and a group of other publisher's reps came to his rescue. Not because of who he was, it was just the right thing to do.

He gave each of us a button in thanks. It is so true, especially at Columbia: We Serve Acadamian Nuts.

(90)
David Morris,
September 27, 2007 8:33 PM

Bad Manners

I think that Bollinger was extreemly rude in the way he spoke and treated his guest. His actions and words reflected badly on the University. I would liken it to the boorish behavior of Senator Brown (green party) in interupting President Bush when he addresed the Australian Parliment. We should all realise that not all the world agrees or suports the American line. These countries have their own agendas that they feel are the best for their own domestic and international issues. If you invite someone to your home, good manners and good breeding dictate that you treat him courteously as a guest. Whereas I in no way suport the present aims of Iran, I feel that President Ahmadinejad aquited him self well and stood out above the crass behavior of Bollinger David Morris

(89)
Anonymous,
September 27, 2007 7:58 PM

Open disgust

Our so-called "institutions of higher learning" are becoming, more and more, a disgrace to what many of us love: a beautiful country based on Judeo-Christian beliefs. To invite our national enemies here is incredibly stupid, disrespectful and, yes, dangerous. Thank you for printing this article. Now somebody get Bollinger out of there.

(88)
John Takach,
September 27, 2007 1:00 PM

Thanks!

Thank you for bringing these events to our attention. People have to be accurately informed in order to have a valid point of view. I just hope that enough Americans understand the nature of this new "Hitler" in time to do something to stop him. I hate to see the western democracies paralyzed by fear and indecision, while the despot puts his forces in array. This unwillingness to take a stand for principle is of course a main reason that Ahmadinejad, and Hitler before him, have so little respect for the "decadent" western democracies. Who knows though, maybe this time we'll stop one before he's strong enough to threaten world war.

(87)
norman Roberts,
September 26, 2007 9:29 PM

Travesty to have Iranian dictator here.

Bollenger garnered sympathy for the Iranian by chastising him before he spoke. Bollenger acted in bad faith and lowered himself to the Iranians level. Bad manners..Was he trying to save face? Too, will COlumbia be given some kind of hidden funds from the Arab world...? Bollenger should be fired...His bad manners and poor judgement reflect poorly on COlumbia University.

(86)
Bill Merrill,
September 26, 2007 4:34 PM

Amadinejad is a nut case, and now he's proved it to the world

I don't see how we win any arguments or points or anything at all except our own pride by refusing to talk to anyone, especially when that person is the leader of another country. Columbia University absolutely did the right thing by letting him talk - anyone who was listening could see what a complete nut case the guy is. If he had not been allowed to talk, then he would have won this round. Letting him talk allowed him to shoot himself.

(85)
Sandy Rollinson-Smith,
September 26, 2007 5:45 AM

A University

Maybe Clumbia isn't the college it pretends to be. Ivy League???? NOT

(84)
stewart bakalchuck,
September 25, 2007 11:49 PM

in hindsight

I have to say that Bollinger ripped hima new one and totally disgraced that little weasel so I am glad he was invited (set up would be a better description of what happened. the us press corps should be the ones ashamed at the larry King type questions they asked him. Bollinger set the tone from the start and you know that little weasel was quite upset. any direct simple yes or no question Bollinger hit him with wasnt answered and at least to people who can think for themselves it made the weasel look weak and stupid.But the bottom line is here in america we worry about world opinion. In Israel they do what they have to and you can be assurred the weasel wont get the bomb and Israel will reain strong and not take any bull from anybody including the US. just read the history of Israel's destruction of iraq's nuclear reactor and remember not one of the superpower's gave Israel any help in negotiating to stop the reactor and condemned Israel but who cares Israel does what she has to and is beholden to no one except our ancestors who were systematically exterminated for the last 2 millenia and we as Jews should not welcome these so called Israel loving christians to help defend Jews worldwide either they are as bad as the weasel they just dont have the huevos to say it. We will take care of ourselves. NEVER AGAIN

(83)
Richard Webber,
September 25, 2007 10:23 PM

Columbia University - Disgaced

Cannot believe that a oncereputable-?? University would "grovel in the Gutter" to attract attention to itself, by entertaining a "Terrorist". Is there Federal Government funding for this University? - if so, it should be terminated immediately!

(82)
Daniel Yogman,
September 25, 2007 4:52 PM

My thoughts on this abomination

One thought I had about the utterly outrageous invitation of Iran's would-be Hitler to Columbia - and Columbia's president, Lee Bollinger, opening this evil despot's appearance at Columbia with "sharp challenges" was this: If a cyanide tablet is coated with candy instead of being just a cyanide tablet, would that make the cyanide any less dangerous? President Bollinger's upbraiding of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad before he spoke, to be perfectly honest, seemed to me to be just about that ridiculous - and thus, in light of the invitation, it wouldn't really make a difference if President Bollinger had not opened this event as he did.

This article by William Kristol has convinced me that I was wrong on that score - and has also reminded me of a line of argumentation that I had forgotten. The argument that the introduction by President Bollinger, with its "sharp challenges," actually worsens the situation by creating the appearance of real dialogue, is one that I don't believe anyone can logically argue with. And, of course, the malignant "ideas" that would be open for dialogue would include Holocaust denial, advocacy of Israel's destruction, and frightening calls for the return of the 12th Imam amidst horrendous violence as a prelude to a global caliphate in which there would be no religious freedom for non-Muslims.

Moreover, the fact that Columbia won't host ROTC on campus and yet invited this madman, in my judgment, makes this abomination even worse. Apparently, it is not OK to have students enroll in ROTC on campus, but is OK to host a dictator whose regime fuels the insurgency in Iraq that is responsible for the deaths of many American troops? Boy oh boy, would the late George Orwell have had a ball with that! After all, the words from his excellent literary work, 1984, "war is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength" quite effectively sum up the nature of this utter insanity and moral bankruptcy.

(81)
R Potash,
September 25, 2007 4:03 PM

Three Cheers for the White and Blue

The colors of the Israeli anthem are the same as the colors of the Columbia Univ flag...a white symbol on an azure field.

Gutsy Jews and the gutsy president have a similar aim: let the evil terrorist condemn himself with his own tongue.

The voices of opposition to Ahmadinijadspresence served to send a clear messaage to the evil regime of Iran. We allow free speech to the dictator, and also allow peaceful non-violent and noisy protests unfettered by government control and punishment.Does that happen in Iran?

A sage once wrote "Keep your enemy close to your vest; you will know what he thinks and plans."

While he speaks of peace, he prepares for war. And so do our leaders; make no mistake about that.

While Ahmadinajads statements like "no holocaust", "Israels destruction", etc. are not to be discounted, the rhetoric is for domestic consumption and his coninuance in power & favor of the religious shakers and movers, anti-Jew, anti-Christian an anti-muslims that do not espouse his countries branch of Mohammeds faith.

Thank God that someone of academic stature and in a place of high esteem had the guts to do the right thing. Even if it lessens contributions to the endowmens/gifts to the Universities future.

As to ROTC eviction, I can't explain. Officer training corps existed to produce the 90 day wonders in WW II. NROTC exisited in my day, and I wasted 6 credit hours before I resigned. There were other alternatives for interested parties.If you wanted miitary training in college days, go to Annapolis, West Point, Air Academy, etc.

And, be grateful that your protests are aired in the American Free Press and campuses without gunfire or tear gas, etc.

Columbia College (Univ) Grad '51

(80)
Mitchell Rucko,
September 25, 2007 3:50 PM

I disagree with your article

The verbal lashing that was subjected on Ahmadinejad made him look like the desperate dictator he has proven himself to be. Lee Bollinger's comments put the man in his place, which is the lowest of the low. In addition, his remarks on homosexuals in Iran would be downright funny if it were not so tragic.

Using words like ""this is a liberal university president at his stupidest."" makes Mr. Kristol sound like the wing-nut he has proven himself to be. If anyone needs to be ignored, it is Mr. Kristol.

I applaud Columbia's decision to allow Mr. Ahmadinejad to make a fool of himself, and it has proven that Freedom Of Speech is a very powerful tool that cannot be 'censored' of we are to remain a vibrant, free society.

(79)
Danielle Navy,
September 25, 2007 3:47 PM

ahmadinejad

How in hell did the U.S issue a visa to this terorist is beyond me .Will they next issue a visa to bin laden?Whats wrong with the Americans?

(78)
Pearl Murray,
September 25, 2007 3:23 PM

Denial of Israerl enough

The fact that Ahmadinajad has openly called for the destruction of Israel is surely, in itself enough to ban him from visiting the US let alone from speaking at the University of Columbia.

(77)
Anonymous,
September 25, 2007 1:05 PM

IT'S A SAD SAD WORLD

In the name of free speech we have succumbed to the lowest points in history. The people interested in hearing the Iranian terrorist leader are the very ones who thwart every American leaders' administration intiatives to do the things required for the safety of those same critics. They have learned little from the holocaust or 9/11. They are only reactive and discourage proactive action from those that protect them. What is it that they are so proud of? What will they tell their grandchildren? Hey, we stopped our American gov't from beating the enenmy but we invited the enenmy to our house so we can be fooled by his lies? What a shame.

(76)
debbi rubin,
September 25, 2007 10:43 AM

cant believe this happen

To me as a jewish american who grow up in the nyc metro area I have a hard time with the idea that Columbia would have this piece of trash talking to students and teachers about anything.This is a man( i cant think of any other nice world) telling the world that he whats to be friends with all.I the Koran it is stated that all people who dont believe ther way should be killed and it is also stated that any contract made with people who dont believe in the Koren the contract is voided.So the world be prepared for a war to end all wars. ( I pray to G-d that it never happens) So go all the left wings and say that Coumbia had to give him the place to talk. There is free speech and then there is free speech.

(75)
Joshua,
September 25, 2007 9:51 AM

Reasoning with the absurd

As the article rightly asserts, at Columbia, Holocaust denial is to be made a debateable issue and given legitamacy by allowing it to somehow be implied that there could be another take on it, which we are being told that we, as open minded citizens must try to understand, even if we are not able to agree. What level of thinking is this? It is no coincidence that Ahmedinejad's declaration of Israel's destruction, (and it of course does not stop there),is a brazen attempt to divert attention to his militaristic ambition to dominate in the ME. Many dictators have had, and still have, the ability to charm, but it is quite easy for Americans and its allies to lose its resolve to stand firm when it most counts, by allowing for such issues to enter our highest educational institutions.

(74)
Anna M. Hebbel,
September 25, 2007 6:56 AM

news that makes a difference!

Your story was insightful. This man should of been banned from this country, forthe respect of our allies and friends, Israel, and of course the American Jews!I wish Fox would just give us more of this type of news, which of course they do, but less news like the seniors and their dough nuts!!!!

(73)
Rachel,
September 25, 2007 6:18 AM

The Disgraced was Ahmadinejad

I watched Iran's buffoonish president give his speech. After the first set of remarks (which was little more than "Islam for Grade School Students"), he tried to wiggle out of the tough questions asked of him. That this man calls himself an "academic" is ludicrous. He made a fool of himself; now all of America has had a chance to see him do it. Bravo to Columbia for exposing him.

(72)
Anthony Aimiyekagbon,
September 25, 2007 5:44 AM

The ability to sit and laugh with friends and enemies is great wisdom indeed,but for a recalcitrant enemy,opportunity must not be given to him to insult collective wisdom as the case of Iranian president,Ahmedinejad.It might been seen as general acceptance by him and his likes.If Ahmedinejad is serious about Palestinians welfare,charity they say begins at home.Let him build the economy of Iran so that Iranians will stop fleeing in mass to the west for better life as they always do.

(71)
Nelson D'Silva,
September 25, 2007 12:16 AM

Surprised by anti-Zionist Jews

More than the invitation of Ahmedinejad by Columbia University, I was surprised to watch Anti-Zionist Orthodox Jews welcoming him with an embrace and kiss. These Jews are traitors to Israel and the USA. May G-d bring a curse on them the befalls not only them but seven generations of those who entered into a pact with the evil to destroy Israel.

(70)
sharona,
September 24, 2007 11:57 PM

The leader of Iran misinformed

The leader of Iran thinks that Israel is using the holocaust as an excuse to oppress the Palestinians. And he doesn't understand what one has to do with the other. - It's because it's not true. It's the PA leaders that oppress their own people and then turn their anger towards Israel. Then Israel has to defend itself against groups like Hamas. Israel wants peace. - Hamas and the like just need to stop attacking and we wouldn't have to defend ourself.

(69)
Anonymous,
September 24, 2007 11:10 PM

I'm a survivor of the Holocaust which according to Ahmenidejad's scholars did not happen

Columbia should be ashamed of itself and should not receive Federal funds.

(68)
Diane,
September 24, 2007 10:09 PM

When you shake hands with a rattle snake, be ready for a snake bite!

(67)
Howard Newman,
September 24, 2007 7:26 PM

Two Sides of the Same Coin

Dr.Bolinger and Ahmanajad are really not that different. Despite Bollinger's clear rebukes and "j'acuse" opening comments the two men share more than either man would be comfortable admitting. They both are supreme egoists who saw the Fourm at Columibia from the vantage point of self agrandizement and opportunity to bring coverage to their own version of the truth. It really does not matter that Bolinger described a serious and correct accusations. We already know that the Iranian dictator is a foul anti Semite and a delusional terrorist The outrage today was that Columbia's president was wiling to risk the University's reputation and its future so that he could have his one chance at an inernational platform to display his self -righteous version of liberalism. How else would th president of a university, even an Ivy Leauge university, get to play statesman on the world stage? Bolinger's ego has brought disgrace to his university and legitimized an evil enemey of our country. He should lsoe his job as the price of hubris.

(66)
Jose Carlos,
September 24, 2007 7:23 PM

Let him come back!

If Ahmadinidork would like to come back to the US and to Columbia especially and look ridiculous like he did today then he should be allowed to do so. Today he was exposed for the moron that he is. I doubt that he'll want to come back for a while.

(65)
Dvirah,
September 24, 2007 4:41 PM

Hearing Both Sides

If Columbia University President Lee Bollinger wants to prove a true committment to freedom of speech, he should now invite a prominant member of Israel's government to speak at the next "Distiguished Leaders" forum, thus balancing the equation. But will he do so? Well...there is also a chance you may will the lottery.

(64)
Meg,
September 24, 2007 4:20 PM

disgrace

A complete and utter disgrace for Columbia University!

(63)
Cindy,
September 24, 2007 3:48 PM

Univ of Columbus

I am so shocked that our definition of free speech includes a terrorist who wants us all dead. How could a University even think that the questions are going to be answered honestly. This man wants a platform and now he can go back to his country and mock the USA even more. We need to draw the line somewhere as to who is aloud free access to anything in our country.

(62)
KENNETH ILOANYA,
September 24, 2007 1:06 PM

American's belief in unregulated freedom exposes the hollowness of their reasoning.

Lee Bollinger's invitation to Ahmadinejad and the decision of the American government to allow that, perhaps under the notion of free speech and of association, underscres the worthlessness of unbridled freedom. Its unthinkable in Ahmadinejad's Iran and in almost all parts of the world. The president of Columbia U and his governing council should be sent to a psychiatry period.

(61)
Lawton Cooper,
September 24, 2007 12:26 PM

Not an expression of academic freedom, rather left-wing pandering to Radical Islam

Would President Bollinger have agreed to a request from a far-right wing European leader, say, Der Fuerher, or even Slobodan MiloÅ¡eviÄ‡? I bet he _would_ grant a request from Venezuala to have its left-wing version of Ahmadinejad speak at Columbia. Actually, to test this theory, I hope and pray that several other despotic countries make a similar request, both "left-" and "right-wing".

(60)
Kat,
September 24, 2007 12:15 PM

disgusting

WE already KNOW what this man thinks and threatens there is NO NEED TO HEAR HIM and GIVE A FORUM TO HIS HATE, he has the UN for that> To even suggest that he may go to 9-11 site for a propaganda opportunity, to proclaim Islam's victory over USA, that will be pictured in every newspaper and media allover the mid East, he already won a huge PR coup without uttering a word, For Columbia to make pretend he is deserving of any dialog is disgraceful. There is no DIALOG with such person only DIATRIBES. I am sorry I do not live closer, b/c I would be tempted to assassinate this man myself, I can only hope someone else does us the favor.THe only good nazi is a DEAD Nazi. May hashem forgive the hate I hold in my heart, I amnot God and cannot find any compassion or forgiveness to such person.

(59)
rachel,
September 24, 2007 10:54 AM

This is an abomination of human rights worldwide, particularly that of a Jewish Nation!

Get the enemy off of the American soil and put him in jail where he belongs.Like Sadam Hussein, he should be captured and tried for his atrocities NOW and not be negotiated with and welcomed into our lives and our media with open arms. This is absurd and America and the world will pay a heavy price for netotiating with the 21st century Hitler.

I and my Jewish brothers and sisters worldwide PROTEST and again PROTEST and regret this sorrowful decision on the part of the US to allow this occasion to take place. Who do we engage in negotioation next, Osama bin Ladin?

I beleive I have made my point.

Rachel DavitashviliBoston, MAImmigrabt to US from Georgia, Former USSR at the age of 14 in 1987; TodayProud and loving citizen of US and a JEW

(58)
Bill,
September 24, 2007 8:56 AM

Forrest Gump said it Best..........

"YOU CAN'T FIX STUPID" - I am not sure who said "the world is full of educated derelicts", but (s)he sure did know what they were speaking about. Columbia University has proven this. How could anyone in their right mind (or LEFT mind) invite this person to speak on their campus. No doubt they will break bread and exchange ideas. Maybe the U president does not know his history and he needs a lesson. The Columbia U president needs to have his head examined or better yet he needs to be expelled or jailed as a terrorist sympathizer.

(57)
Brian,
September 24, 2007 8:56 AM

Instead of a vote of thanks what is required by Bollinger after the speech is a vote of condemnation and at least three loud Boos from the audience.

Free speech is great but even better is loud condemnation, derision, scorn, etc etc for someone the likes of ahmadinejad - even a nut, even an evil-doer deserves to be told off, as loudly and clearly as possible. This would undercut ahmadinejad's foundation. His support will wither. Machiavelli long ago wrote that people only get rid of their tyrant once they develop contempt for him. Every Iranian must now get the message that their leader is held in contempt by the whole world and that he is causing them all to suffer. Columbia University and President Bollinger can redeem themselves if they give ahmadinejad a speech of condemnation instead of a speech of thanks after listening to what he has to say. Let ahmadinejad speak,possibly without interuption, but let his speech be concluded with loud, boos, hisses and jeers from the audience. This will rebound around this global village of ours. Lets hope the same happens when ahmadinejad concludes his speech at the UN. Unfortunately, last time ahmadinejad addressed the world assembly nobody said anything. A point noted by Ariel Sharon in his speech. It is not too late for the UN to learn this important lesson: If we want to counter hate speech, lies and incitement that now threaten all of us, it has to be challenged as plainly as simply as contemptously as possible. It will avoid war, sanctions, suffering and create the better world we all desire. A dangerous, suicidal, fanatical demagogue like ahmadinejad must not be handled with kids gloves. If he dishes it out he can also take it. This strategy can be more effective than guns and missiles and the vast majority of ordinary Iranians who despise their leaders and corrupt mullahs will cheer !!

(56)
Randy Smith,
September 24, 2007 8:27 AM

Dishonor

The visit by Ahmadinejad to Columbia University dishonors all Americans who have persihed and the loved ones left behind in this war against terror..Lee Bollinger and the University of Columbia should be ashamed of them selves.

(55)
Emely,
September 24, 2007 8:16 AM

Solidarity from Panama

It is so disgusting that he can speak in the USA..May a jew, or even a non jewish american have the same opportunity in Iran? I don't think so...His words are all lies. Even though I am physically far from you, my thoughts and heart are in Columbia.

(54)
Shirley,
September 24, 2007 8:10 AM

Allowing the fox into the hen house

Never Forget! 9-11! How many other atrocities will have to happen before our eyes are opened. To allow this this person to speak in New York at one of the most respected universities with a large Jewish student body is an insult to all Jews living and dead. Why not invite Hitler and his henchmen to join in. Maybe they could elaborate on what they could not accomplish. The whole idea sickens me. I wish I could be there not to boo or humiliate him, but to stand strong and show him and his kind,NEVER,EVER, AGAIN!! Silent condemnation is much stronger than any words.

(53)
Grace Fishenfeld,
September 24, 2007 7:31 AM

The Rules of the Game

When peple do not observe the same rules of the game you can't play. How can students and faculty and a president of a University exchange ideas with a professional political despot? I am all for dialogue and diplomacy. You have to enter such an exchange under even ground. Columbia University is a fairyland or better still a chicken coup and You don't invite the fox into the hen house. My husband is a Columbia graduate and feels that it is indeed the role of a University to be a model for our value of free speech. I question, under these circumstances, can something good come of this?

(52)
Marc Milton-Talbot,
September 24, 2007 6:13 AM

Important question for Ahmadinejad

Maybe one question worth asking is whether there is any truth in a recent report that Iran intends to explode an electromagnetic pulse nuclear device in the upper atmosphere over the USA when it considers it appropriate.

(51)
Judith G Dawson,
September 24, 2007 5:20 AM

Bravo to the Demonstrators

I came of age in the 1960s when we protested the campus leaders for their conservative stances. What a turn-around! To entertain a known terrorist and Holocaust denier is insulting in the extreme.

Columbia needs to get its priorities on track and listen to its students. If they want ROTC back on campus, it should come back, regardless of my personal beliefs.

Columbia University: cancel your invitation to entertain a known terrorist!

(50)
sheila,
September 24, 2007 5:14 AM

i wish i was there

I wish i was there to stand by your side. my heart is with you.My prayers go out to all people affected buy this peice of human waiste.He should not be on our shores wake up america .Maybe this will wake up our non complacent jews as well...goodluck today

(49)
anna mcbride,
September 24, 2007 4:22 AM

Ahmadinejad's talk at Columbia

I used to respect CU. and, you continue to call your institution a place of higher education? I had more common sense when I was pre-teen. In your rush to display how neutral you are, you have given yourself away -- you do not seem to know truth, let alone teach it. You are not true teachers of intellectual thought or values.

(48)
Joseph Chandra,
September 24, 2007 2:20 AM

Misuse/Abuse of Freedom of Speech

It is a matter of great shock and surprise to me that Columbia University in the name of freedom of speech has chosen to invite a deranged fanatic who does not believe in the value of dialogue in his own country.This man who extolls the greatest butcher of the 20th century Adolf Hitler as his role model and has a pathological hatred of the Jewish people must be stopped without any delay. It is a disgrace for any intellectual to even try to reason out with this man of doubtful sanity as is evident from his denial of the Jewish holocaust.I love the Jewish people for their earth-shaking contributions to humanity in all fields and will be the first to protest should this conscienceless man ever to set foot on any campus in my country.

(47)
E Beck,
September 24, 2007 2:16 AM

Columbia Petition

Condemnation of The Appearance of Ahmedinejad at Columbia By Members of the Columbia University CommunityTo: Lee Bollinger, President Columbia University and the Columbia University Community

(Petition editor's note: When signing this petition, please indicate your relationship with Columbia University...faculty, student or alumni. Please note that we believe this petition will be most effective if only Columbia faculty, student and alumni sign. You are however encouraged to help support this petition's being published in an ad in the NYTimes with a contribution to www.spme.net/donation.html or as indicated below. That would help very much. Thank you.)

We, the undersigned members of the Columbia University community, condemn in the strongest possible terms those responsible for bringing Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to speak at Columbia University.

This event does not promote academic integrity and honest debate in the true spirit of academic freedom. It gives a podium to an individual who has no intention of speaking or debating in good faith, and who is well known for incitement to genocide; support for world-wide terrorism; imprisoning, mutilating, and murdering academics, trade unionists, journalists, students, and others; and engaging in historical denial and revisionism to justify his despotic agenda.

We disassociate ourselves from the invitation and the event.

Scholars for Peace in the Middle East- Columbia University Chapter is soliciting donations so that we may place this statement and all the signators in a New York Time ad. Please make your contribution to www.spme.net/donation.html or send your check, made payable to SPME directly to: Judith S. Jacobson, DrPH, MBA Department of Epidemiology Mailman School of Public Health Columbia University 722 West 168th Street, Room R736 New York, NY 10032 (212) 305-2502 voice (212) 305-9413 fax Thank you.Sincerely,

I do not wish for our country to give this person anything that resembles honor. He does not deserve it.

(45)
pan tat,
September 23, 2007 11:09 PM

axis of evil

Terrorist regime leader has no place in the world arena.

(44)
Philip Saenz,
September 23, 2007 10:48 PM

Hates The U.S. Military

It is so obvious to me that Columbia University would rather give a voice to our enemy, President Mahmoud Admadinejad, who would destroy all infidels if he could, and suppresses our American soldiers, the ROTC, who protect us every day. The faculty of Columbia University are fools and un-American. If the faculty of Columbia University is so broad-minded as they claim, why don't they allow the ROTC to speak at Columbia University? I'll reiterate: The faculty of Columbia University is un-American, and enemies of the U.S. Military. It is obvious!!!

(43)
PHIL C.,
September 23, 2007 10:28 PM

Liberal Stupidity exists just as bad if not worse in Israel

Look at the liberals jews who purchased the greenhouses prior to expulsion of Israeli's from the west bank and gave them to the Palestinians(which were ransacked and couldn't be used) Israeli education 38% of Israeli children don"t know the Kotel was the outer wall of the Beit Ha migdash(thanks to the liberal Israeli administration)It seems that only muslem societies are focused.

(42)
MAC,
September 23, 2007 10:08 PM

Freedom of speech is becoming a joke. All you have to do, no matter how obnoxious your views, is turn up the volume; higher and higher until your view is on par with sensible, reasonable, legitimate views. One way you rid this, is to not let the volume get turned up. Don't continually, ad nauseum debate issues on these news commentary shows as if both sides' arguments have the same legitimacy and don't invite noxious speakers like this shmuck from Iran to lecture a group of young, moldable minds. His views have been aired and have been rejected by reasonable-thinking people. Don't let him turn up the volume!

(41)
Anonymous,
September 23, 2007 9:37 PM

Carfull who you invite to talk! History will remember

Shame on you!The US sodiers that gave their life are turning in their grave.

(40)
Anonymous,
September 23, 2007 9:30 PM

Why is the US Department of State allowing AHMADINEJAD

Why is the Date Seaprtmetn allowing a terrorist like AHMADINEJAD to go anyplace outside the UN in the United States? If they are able to restrict other leaders from other countries why not him? This is an affront to all American citizens and should be expressed not only about Columbia University's action(who could expect less)but also the rest of America.

(39)
Offer Baruch,
September 23, 2007 8:52 PM

What about the suicide Bombers and the Islamic Revolution?

although I am not supporting the idea of having the Iranian president giving him a chance to sound his voice - there are two other issues that I am curiose to see how he will answer about - his legitemecy for suicide bombers which he describs as a beutifull art - and his hope that Islam will concure the world. is he and his country part of the Global Islamic Revolution? I know the answers.

(38)
Anonymous,
September 23, 2007 7:10 PM

Better the devil you know?

Better the devil you know? Only if the university really does follow its' agenda of questions and really does open the floor to discussion with this xxxxxx scary man will the decision to give him a forum have merit. I know that I'm naive to think that a peaceful exchange can possibly happen. I can only hope that our beloved America will be united with us without us having to become militant and hateful. If we do become ugly and mean then xxxxxx has won. I don't think that Hashem would be very pleased to see his children behaving badly, without dignity. Shalom. Baruch Hashem.

(37)
Char,
September 23, 2007 7:00 PM

A fox in the henhouse

What a tragedy to expose our young students who have impressionable minds with likes of Mahmoud Ahmandinejab who suffers from delusion -- denial of the holocaust -- he should go to the Yad Vashem and be enlightened to the stark reality of what is truth. He is a danger to the world at large and to every christian and jew in particular. He will play the role of a chameleon, something President Bollinger has not prepared himself for nor the nutty professor.

For those of us who cannot attend tomorrow's rally protesting the Iranian President's presence on our soil, we will be praying to HaShem that this man's evil be returned upon his own head as in the days of Pharoah of Egypt when The Almighty drowned his army in the Red Sea.

(36)
Abraham G Gotman MD,
September 23, 2007 6:59 PM

A disgrace for Columbia University

We didn't have any other choice to let him come and peak at the UN but inviting hi to speak at Columbia U is a disgrace for the University and lack of respect to the american people. A head of a state that is directly or indirectly killing our soldiers in Irak.Shame on Mr. Bollinger president of Columbia University.

(35)
Eve Marie Steinberg,
September 23, 2007 6:45 PM

"Ahmadinejad is the SAME as Hitler!!"

~What the hell is the Columbia University thinking? What an insult to the Jewish students/staff, the American People & of course to Democracy! This self-serving-manipulation STUNT that this TERRORIST is being allowed to shove the "spotlight" again on his B.S redrick. When will the "Global-Intelligence Community" just perform a high-cou & take amadinejad out?!?! (And this does not mean for lunch!!!)

(34)
Dean,
September 23, 2007 6:39 PM

Ahmedinajad

Perhaps he will be converted to Christianity, they would not let him speak then.

(33)
Oscar Noble,
September 23, 2007 6:07 PM

Freedom of speech ?

Freedom Of speech is OK..but NOT if it comes from the mouth of a terrorist!This little man from Iran..what's his name..should not have been allowed to set foot on American soil!! Shame on our governement and shame on Columbia University!!

(32)
Marsha,
September 23, 2007 6:01 PM

Hosting madmen

Would they invite Hitler? Saddam Hussein? Osama Bin Ladin? This is a disgrace!!

(31)
Rex,
September 23, 2007 5:51 PM

HYPOCRITES!!!

The president of Columbia University wants to ask "I'm in a jihad" Ahmadinejad all these questions; however, I find it interesting coming from a country that does the same exact things that he supports. Now don't get me wrong, I'm against IRAN and terrorism but this country has become the Roman Empire all over again. I think we as a nation we need to clean up our own closets before we condemn another sovereign nation.

(30)
JACQUES HADIDA,
September 23, 2007 5:09 PM

WHY IMPOSE ON US SUCH A DISGRACE?

IF WE AGREE THAT THIS VISIT IS A DISGRACE, THEN WHY IMPOSE ON US SUCH A TREATMENT?When are we going to learn that not everyone thinks the way we do? Can you picture an Iranian University inviting one of us for a similar exchange?Why do we think we are smarter or braver when we deal with an entity that can not comprehend our values?He is certainly prepared for all the questions to be thrown at thim and will nicely avoid them with his sarcastic smile, knowing there is nothing we can do but still respect his persona.IT SURE IS A SCOOP FOR COLUMBIA, but doews it need it?

JACQUES HADIDA

(29)
Rona,
September 23, 2007 4:37 PM

Academia Can't tell right from wrong

If Columbia University is any indication of what the youth of America is learning today it is a sorry state of affairs. If they think they will trap Amadinejad with their questions, they are sorely mistaken. The Arab world just simply lies with nocompunctions. It's like talking to a wall. The media should stop giving this ego maniac a stage from which to spew his rhetoric. I imagine if the Dean's mother was murdered (G-d forbid) that he would invite the criminal to give his viewpoint. The let's bend over backwards ultra liberal attitudes are not grounded in reality. They will destroy us.

(28)
Ivan Moreno, Jr.,
September 23, 2007 4:31 PM

Dispicable

As an Alumnus of Columbia University I find it a disgrace to allow this person to even visit our campus, but to let him use us a a podium for his propaganda is dispicable and plain shamefull.

(27)
biaokin,
September 23, 2007 4:28 PM

Give him a chance

I hope the Americans will give him a chance to explain his thought. He has his own justification on his thought. Let him speak his mind and that's "Freedom of Speech" is all about.

(26)
Lar,
September 23, 2007 4:19 PM

I'm glad he is coming

I'm glad Ahmadinejad is coming to Columbia. After all, we espouse freedom of speech. Maybe the liberal media and educational institutions will realize that this guy is the problem, not the military and not the presidency of the US. Perhaps the military and president have made mistakes, but their intentions were never to eliminate democratic countries, oppress their own people and support rabid terrorism. And just maybe Ahmadinejad will get run over by a car. I'd pay his airfare if that were the outcome!

(25)
Anonymous,
September 23, 2007 4:05 PM

I am disgusted that a University should host this monster.

Ahmadinejad is a monster who cares for his own desires and the heck with everyone else. Some see him with his true colors others want to be friendly.He is like a rattle snake. You never know when he will strike. Beware.

(24)
murray,
September 23, 2007 3:34 PM

All Columbia Allumnae should call, fax, e-mail Bollinger with their disgust at his stupidity and threaten to withhold financial support.

(23)
Beverly Kurtin, Ph.D.,
September 23, 2007 3:32 PM

Hitler, Stalin, Pot Pol, Ahmaddinejad

I am sorry that I had just eaten just before reading this article. I lost it all.

That piece of filth, instead of being allowed to speak at one of America's formerly top institutions of learning, should instantly be put in prison the moment his feet touch U.S. soil.

He has committed one of the highest crimes according to the United Nation's own rules: he his threatening genocide. That is a crime punishable by a term in prison, yet it will be widely ignored and he will not be touched.

Hitler, Stalin, Saloth Sar, better known as Pot Pol (slaughtered 1/3 of all Cambodians during his reign of terror) Rwanda, Darfur, and now Ahmadinejad (Ah MAD inejad) joins the ranks of mankind's worst mass murderers.

No, Ahmadinejad has not yet started his reign of murder, but he will. We are seeing Germany in the late '20s and Darfur right now. And NOTHING IS BEING DONE TO STOP HIM.

Last week I spoke with a small group of people about the growing Jew-hate in the world. When I brought up Ahmadinejad's threats, I was laughed at and told to shut up and sit down, I did not know what I was talking about. "This is America, it can't happen here," was the general mood.

I asked if anyone in the audience knew who Henry Ford and his friend Edison were. "Great men." Yes, they did great things, but they also did great evil in their day. Ford paid good money to translate and spread the farce about the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion." He would not hire Jews. Edison was also a rabid Jew-hater and would not hire Jews. It can't happen here?

During World War II while the Holocaust was in full swing, Jews who were trying to escape Hitler were refused safe haven on our American shores and were, instead, returned to the outstretched arms of Hitler who promptly turned the passengers into ashes.

Pope Pious XII kept silent during the Holocaust and the "Holy See" did not see fit to recognize Israel until 1993. Many of the Pope's greatest admirers and supporters were Americans.

The American Nazi party and the White Power groups and the Christian Identity group wishes that the Holocaust was brought to America.

KNOWLEDGE is the key that unlocks the ignorance among Americans who have not yet been poisoned with the virus of Jew-hate, but as one of the most rabid Jew haters, Ahmadinejad will speak to Columbia to discuss whether or not the Holocaust really happened.

I cannot continue this letter, my stomach just turned again.

SHEMA ISRAEL, ISRAEL ECHOD!

(22)
Anonymous,
September 23, 2007 3:32 PM

his answers

I remember hearing he likes to answer with questions. Will Bollinger insist on direct honest answers? If not will the students or anyone protest.

(21)
Jim Evert,
September 23, 2007 3:09 PM

What does OUR president say?

I sure would like to know what President Bush thinks of all this. My first questions is "Why are you allowing a terroriest dictator into our country?" It would be interesting to find out what his stand on this is. By the way, as the President, couldn't he just step in and say "No way, dude. This just ain't happening!" and forbid this man from ever touching US soil. If he were just a little bit smart, as soon as this idiots plane touches down in the US, he should be arrested on the spot, along with his motly crew. Furthermore, I think this Richard Bulliet should also be arrested for be such a bungling idiot - no one with this mentality should be allowed to run a strip-joint, nonetheless a University!

(20)
David Silver,
September 23, 2007 3:09 PM

FREE SPEACH ?

This type of free speach will cost us more than we can afford.

(19)
Leonard Lash,
September 23, 2007 2:46 PM

Yes! Columbia University is right to invite Ahmadinejad.

Academic freedom means that anyone can say what they believe to be correct regardless of how horrid it is to another. Without academic freedom, a University is a puppet for whoever is paying the bills.

(18)
Bob Reid,
September 23, 2007 2:28 PM

Questions will be spun

Having lived in the middle east I can tell you all questions will be spun with sweet Islamic answers and those answers will not resemble any part of the question asked.There will be left leaning individuals that will extol the virtues of the IslamoNazis. Remember... we had the same apologists during WWII. They went on to become communists .When the commies failed these people became liberal Democrats..what's next?

Bob Reid

(17)
Anonymous,
September 23, 2007 2:28 PM

WHY????????

Do you want me to answer all those questions that are going to be asked from Ahmadinejad? I grew up in Iran, and I grew up with all their lies. Why do you waste your time and money on an actor and liar?

Check out this video - Columbia's dean defends himself by saying he would invite Hitler to speak too. Doesn't he realize that by giving this evil baboon a platform he is legitimizing his beliefs - fool.

Aish.com won't let you put weblinks in "comments" -- Go to You Tube and enter "Sure we'd invite Hitler to speak, says Columbia dean" to see the video.

(13)
Ana M.,
September 23, 2007 1:23 PM

A Holocaust denier and a hater, an enemy of mankind welcomed at a University. This is really sad.

(12)
Aaron Kinsberg,
September 23, 2007 1:15 PM

It's time for Jews to stop supporting Columbia. Is it going to happen? Nope. Most Jews are to involved in non Jewish activities. Shame on Columbia. Shame on Liberal Jews.

It's not enought to merely demonstrate agains the "mad dog" from Teheran, there should also be an effort to show how unfit for his prominent position, if Mr. Bollinger. Even though, -doubtless- funds have been funnelled to Columbia from Iran, and Mr. bollinger acts as if he's been "bought and paid for", his crassness, in the face of the obvious, deserves more than the mild criticism which a demonstration against Ahmadinejad will show. Is this another face of the increasingly overt Anti-semitism which is creeping back to pre WW2 levels??

(10)
Mary Dobish,
September 23, 2007 12:59 PM

I protest the visit by the president of Iran

It is a disgrace to have him appear anywhere in public in our country, and it was a betrayel to American citizens for Columbia University to entertain him as a guest speaker.

(9)
Anonymous,
September 23, 2007 12:29 PM

Freedom of speech should not pertain to a Hitler follower. Shame on Columbia U. & Lee Bollinger for allowing this to occur.

This invitation to deny the Holocaust is deplorable

(8)
David S. Levine,
September 23, 2007 12:14 PM

Another Indication

Another indication, as if another was needed, of the degeneration of American academia. An institution that hassles and expels those who "insult" minority groups favored by the liberal leeches allows this slimebag onto its campus under the "Distinguished leader Lecture" series. This Bollinger is the university president that allowed the entry of lesser qualified but favored "minority" groups in Michigan, kept ROTC off his campus because the Armed services don't favor homosexual recruitment and now opens his doors to a head of government which kills our fellow Americans. THIS is today's Ivy League and it's disgusting.

(7)
ed,
September 23, 2007 11:43 AM

Disgrace at all Colleges

"A disgrace at Columbia University" issymptomatic of a larger movement of hatred within this country. It is starting at our Colleges and seeping into every other aspect of life in the USA. In my view, the cure is refused by everyone. Either call what is wrong WRONG or just give up. You cannot single out what offends you and ignore what offends others. We live in a selective society where a FEW decide what is offensive for all. Those that object too loudly _will_ lose everything.

Even expressing this opinion will offend many.

(6)
Zahava,
September 23, 2007 11:36 AM

Good ol' American hospitality

This is just as bad as Israel not doing anything to oust Olmert and gov't. Apparently, it is not only the Jewish people who don't learn from mistakes. Columbia may have a wealth of Jewish students, but the school is also known for it's antisemitism.

How sad that this piece of human garbage is allowed to grace American soil. How many more true human beings must die because of the stupidity of leadership? The knesset has had opportunity after opportunity to do away with the present gov't, but why should they, when they can retain their salaries, nice cars, and pleasant lifestyle?

What does Bollinger thing will be accomplished by hosting this miserable excuse for a human being? He outright calls for the destruction of not only Israel, but the United States as well.

Does the name "Neville Chamberlin" ring a bell with anyone...

(5)
Edmund Rosner,
September 23, 2007 11:35 AM

This is an opportunity to expose Ahmadinejad's hitlerian big lies for what they are, which I trust Bollinger and the audience will take full advantage of.

(4)
Daniela,
September 23, 2007 11:12 AM

Beat Bollinger at his own game

Exercise our freedom to heckle and disrupt, not let Ahmejadara finish a sentance and make him a laughing stock. It's just as simple to make the man leave in humiliation as it is to invite him and make him welcome. I say, make lemonade.

(3)
Anonymous,
September 23, 2007 11:06 AM

Get rid of Bollinger

Bollinger should be forced to resign as he refuses to see the enormous affront to our gallant servicemen and their loved ones by his university honoring a genocidal maniac. He uses the excuse of "freedom of speech" what a hypocrite.I hope his endowments languish.......

(2)
Joey,
September 23, 2007 7:00 AM

I hope Achoonejad gets stuck with some really hard, inanswerable questions about his anti-Semitism and his human rights record...but I doubt it. Shame on Columbia. Military service cannot be tolerated, conservative views on immigration cannot be tolerated, but threats of genocide can. Oy vey.

God bless.

(1)
Anonymous,
September 23, 2007 6:20 AM

There's gonna be a protest? Count me in! Freedom of speech? Great! But honoring a hateful, mad dictator in one of our "fine" universities? What a discgrace. God bless America! And may He help the Iranians who suffer under this wicked despot.

I've been striving to get more into spirituality. But it seems that every time I make some progress, I find myself slipping right back to where I started. I'm getting discouraged and feel like a failure. Can you help?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Spiritual slumps are a natural part of spiritual growth. There is a cycle that people go through when at times they feel closer to God and at times more distant. In the words of the Kabbalists, it is "two steps forward and one step back." So although you feel you are slipping, know that this is a natural process. The main thing is to look at your overall progress (over months or years) and be able to see how far you've come!

This is actually God's ingenious way of motivating us further. The sages compare this to teaching a baby how to walk. When the parent is holding on, the baby shrieks with delight and is under the illusion that he knows how to walk. Yet suddenly, when the parent lets go, the child panics, wobbles and may even fall.

At such times when we feel spiritually "down," that is often because God is letting go, giving us the great gift of independence. In some ways, these are the times when we can actually grow the most. For if we can move ourselves just a little bit forward, we truly acquire a level of sanctity that is ours forever.

Here is a practical tool to help pull you out of the doldrums. The Sefer HaChinuch speaks about a great principle in spiritual growth: "The external awakens the internal." This means that although we may not experience immediate feelings of closeness to God, eventually, by continuing to conduct ourselves in such a manner, this physical behavior will have an impact on our spiritual selves and will help us succeed. (A similar idea is discussed by psychologists who say: "Smile and you will feel happy.")

That is the power of Torah commandments. Even if we may not feel like giving charity or praying at this particular moment, by having a "mitzvah" obligation to do so, we are in a framework to become inspired. At that point we can infuse that act of charity or prayer with all the meaning and lift it can provide. But if we'd wait until being inspired, we might be waiting a very long time.

May the Almighty bless you with the clarity to see your progress, and may you do so with joy.

In 1940, a boatload 1,600 Jewish immigrants fleeing Hitler's ovens was denied entry into the port of Haifa; the British deported them to the island of Mauritius. At the time, the British had acceded to Arab demands and restricted Jewish immigration into Palestine. The urgent plight of European Jewry generated an "illegal" immigration movement, but the British were vigilant in denying entry. Some ships, such as the Struma, sunk and their hundreds of passengers killed.

If you seize too much, you are left with nothing. If you take less, you may retain it (Rosh Hashanah 4b).

Sometimes our appetites are insatiable; more accurately, we act as though they were insatiable. The Midrash states that a person may never be satisfied. "If he has one hundred, he wants two hundred. If he gets two hundred, he wants four hundred" (Koheles Rabbah 1:34). How often have we seen people whose insatiable desire for material wealth resulted in their losing everything, much like the gambler whose constant urge to win results in total loss.

People's bodies are finite, and their actual needs are limited. The endless pursuit for more wealth than they can use is nothing more than an elusive belief that they can live forever (Psalms 49:10).

The one part of us which is indeed infinite is our neshamah (soul), which, being of Divine origin, can crave and achieve infinity and eternity, and such craving is characteristic of spiritual growth.

How strange that we tend to give the body much more than it can possibly handle, and the neshamah so much less than it needs!